Resilient cross arm assembly

ABSTRACT

A synthetic cross arm is provided for use in structural support of conductors on utility poles in an electrical grid. The synthetic cross arm consists of a flexible housing and a cable positioned within a chamber of the flexible housing. The cable is configured to prevent pieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, or pulling down or breaking utility lines or adjacent cross arms upon a break to the synthetic cross arm. A collar is provided for connecting two cross arms in a horizontal position on a vertical utility pole. A cross arm assembly is provided that includes a collar and first and second cross arms connected thereto. The cross arm assembly is configured so that the first and second cross arms may flex, deform, and rebound, thus reducing or preventing damage to the cross arm assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14,837,162filed on Aug. 27, 2015.

BACKGROUND

Wind, rain, snow, ice, and other environmental conditions can causedamage to above ground utility distribution systems such as electricalutility lines supported by cross arm assemblies. Sometimes, significantstructural damage may occur, including partial or complete breakage ofthe utility line and cross arm assembly, causing power outages, fire,and other safety hazards to humans.

For example, heavy ice or snow may accumulate on utility linesincreasing the weight of the utility line and causing the utility lineand cross arm assembly to break. Upon a break to the cross arm assembly,pieces of the broken cross arm often fall or pull down or break theutility line or adjacent cross arms. Further strong winds may causeutility lines to bounce up and down or “gallop.” Galloping wiresgenerate stress upon utility lines and cross arm assemblies. This stressdeteriorates, weakens, and often breaks the cross arm assembly, utilityline and adjacent cross arms. Thus, requiring the cross arm assembly tobe frequently inspected, repaired, and replaced.

Cross arms are used to support conductors used in power grids.Generally, there are two main types of power grids, transmission gridsand distribution grids. Transmission grids transmit high-voltageelectrical energy from power plants to substations. Distribution gridstransmit low-voltage electrical energy from substations to residenciesand businesses that require the power. Cross arms used in distributiongrids are typically made from wood, such as timber which has beenprepared for use in building and carpentry.

Unfortunately, wood cross arms are often expensive, difficult to obtain,have a limited lifespan, and require frequent maintenance and repair.Further, wood cross arms are organic and thus decay naturally over time.The typical lifespan of a wood cross arm decreases substantially whenthe wood cross arm is exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such ashot and cold temperatures, ice, snow, rain, and wind, for example.

To increase the lifespan and durability of wood cross arms, the wood isoften treated with chemical compounds and preservatives, such ascreosote, to provide ultraviolet and water protection. Creosote is adark brown oil often distilled from coal tar that is commonly used as awood preservative. Creosote generally includes a number of phenols,cresols, and other organic compounds. While, chemicals, such as creosotecan improve the lifespan and durability of wood cross arms, suchchemicals also add increased cost to the cross arm and may poseenvironmental concerns. Other problems presented by wood cross arms arethat the wood is flammable, and thus susceptible to lightningstrike-induced fires. Wood cross arms may also attract bugs and animals,such as termites and woodpeckers, who prematurely damage the structuralintegrity of the wood.

Wood alternatives such as fiberglass, concrete, and metal cross arms areknown. Unfortunately, traditional fiberglass cross arms lack thestructural strength and durability of wood cross arms and are often moreexpensive. Further, upon a break to a traditional fiberglass cross arm,pieces of the fiberglass cross arm fall and pull down and break theutility line. While having increased structural integrity, compared totraditional fiberglass cross arms, concrete and metal cross arms aretypically heavy, making the cross arms more difficult and dangerous forworkers to suspend high above the ground and more difficult to repair,inspect and replace. Further, because metal is a good conductor ofelectricity, metal cross arms increase the danger to lineman and otherworkers. Thus, lineman must take increased safety precautions whenworking with metal cross arms, slowing their work, increasing the costof the work, and reducing the usefulness of metal cross arms.

In addition to the problems discussed above, traditional cross armassemblies are not effective at reducing or preventing damage caused bygalloping utility lines and environmental conditions, such as wind, iceand snow. Current cross arms are typically formed from a single unitarypiece of material, generally wood, that is connected to a utility poleat a center region of the cross arm. Thus, forming a “cross”configuration between the horizontal cross arm and the vertical utilitypole whereby the cross arm is divided into two substantially equalsections or halves by the utility pole. The cross arm is typicallysupported by v-braces, typically formed from wood, or other similarstructures positioned underneath the cross arm and connected to theutility pole.

In the event the cross arm is broken or damaged, the v-brace is usuallybroken as well, causing pieces of the broken cross arm to fall and pulldown and break the utility line, causing power outages and hazardousconditions for persons. Upon a break to the cross arm assembly, piecesof the broken cross arm often fall or pull down or break the utilityline or adjacent cross arms. Further, in the event any portion of thecross arm or v-brace is damaged, the entire length of the cross arm andsupporting v-brace must generally be replaced, even if only one sectionor half of the cross arm was actually damaged or broken. Thus,increasing the cost and burden associated with replacing repairing, andinspecting such cross arm assemblies.

To that end, it would be advantageous to provide an improved resilientcross arm assembly configured to reduce or prevent damage caused bygalloping utility lines and environmental conditions such as, ice, snow,and wind. The resilient cross arm assembly includes a synthetic crossarm having a flexible housing, formed from ultraviolet resistantfiberglass for example, and includes a cable positioned within aninternal chamber of the flexible housing that extends between a firstend and a second end of the flexible housing. The cable is configured toprevent pieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, andpulling down and breaking the utility lines upon a break in thesynthetic cross arm. Upon a break to the cross arm assembly, pieces ofthe broken cross arm often fall or pull down or break the utility lineor adjacent cross arms.

The resilient cross arm assembly further includes a collar that isconfigured to attach two cross arms, for example traditional wood crossarms or synthetic cross arms, to a utility pole on opposite ends. Thecollar is configured so that each cross arm may flex or move verticallyto absorb shock caused by galloping utility lines and heavy ice or snow.Because the collar is configured for use with two cross arms, if onecross arm is broken, only the broken cross arm would need to bereplaced. Thus, increasing the cost effectiveness of the resilient crossarm assembly and decreasing the risk of injury to persons tasked withrepairing, replacing, or inspecting the resilient cross arm assembly. Itis to such a resilient cross arm assembly and to methods for usingthereof that exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosedand claimed herein are directed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numerals in the figures represent and refer to the sameor similar element or function. Implementations of the disclosure may bebetter understood when consideration is given to thefollowing detaileddescription thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexedpictorial illustrations, schematics, graphs, drawings, and appendices.In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a syntheticcross arm according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof a synthetic cross arm according to the inventive concepts disclosedherein.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a collar forconnecting a cross arm to a utility pole according to the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a collar for connecting across arm to a utility pole according to the inventive conceptsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a collar for connectinga cross arm to a utility pole according to the inventive conceptsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a collar for connectinga cross arm to a utility pole according to the inventive conceptsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cross arm assemblyaccording to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a cross arm ssembly accordingto the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of a cross arm assembly accordingto the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive conceptsdisclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the inventiveconcepts are not limited in their application to the details ofconstruction and the arrangements of the components or steps ormethodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated inthe drawings. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable ofother embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein is for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting the inventive concepts claimed herein in any way.

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the inventiveconcepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide amore thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it willbe apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventiveconcepts within the disclosure may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known features have not been describedin detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed.

As used herein the notation “a-n” appended to a reference numeral isintended as merely convenient shorthand to reference one, or more thanone, and up to infinity, of the element or feature identified by therespective reference numeral (e.g., 305 a-n). Similarly, a letterfollowing a reference numeral is intended to reference an embodiment ofthe feature or element that may be similar, but not necessarilyidentical, to a previously described element or feature bearing the samereference numeral (e.g., 305, 305 a, etc.). Such shorthand notations areused for purposes of clarity and convenience only, and should not beconstrued to limit the instant inventive concept(s) in any way, unlessexpressly stated to the contrary.

Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to aninclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or Bis satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B isfalse (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (orpresent), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts. Thisdescription should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meantotherwise.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment.

The inventive concepts disclosed herein are generally directed to asynthetic cross arm, a collar, and a cross arm assembly. The syntheticcross arm includes a flexible housing, formed from ultraviolet resistantfiberglass for example, and a cable positioned within an internalchamber of the flexible housing that extends between a first end and asecond end of the flexible housing. The cable is configured to preventpieces of the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling, or pullingdown or breaking a utility line upon a break in the synthetic cross arm.Upon a break to the cross arm assembly, pieces of the broken cross armoften fall or pull down or break the utility line or adjacent crossarms. The collar is for attaching two cross arms in a horizontalposition, for example traditional wood cross arms or synthetic crossarms, to a vertical utility pole on opposite ends. The collar isconfigured so that each cross arm may flex or move vertically to absorbshock caused by galloping utility lines and heavy ice or snow. The crossarm assembly includes a collar and first and second cross armsdetachably connected thereto. Because the cross arm assembly isconfigured for use with two cross arms, if one cross arm is broken, onlythe broken cross arm would need to be replaced. Thus, increasing thecost effectiveness of the resilient cross arm assembly and decreasingthe risk of injury to persons tasked with repairing, replacing, orinspecting the cross arm assembly.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, shown therein is an explary embodiment of asynthetic cross arm 100. The synthetic cross arm 100 includes a flexiblehousing 105 having a first end 110, a second end 115, a top 120, abottom 125, and a front 130 and back 135 defining a chamber 140 therein.The synthetic cross arm 100 further includes a cable 145 connected tothe flexible housing 105. The cable 145 is positioned within the chamber140 of the flexible housing 105 and extends between the first end 110and the second end 115 of the flexible housing 105. The cable 145 isconfigured to prevent the synthetic cross arm from separating, falling,or damaging utility lines upon a break to the synthetic cross arm. Upona break to the cross arm assembly, pieces of the broken cross arm oftenfall or pull down or break the utility line or adjacent cross arms.

The synthetic cross arm 100 is configured to be attached horizontally toa vertical utility pole. In some embodiments, the synthetic cross arm100 may be sized so as to be used with traditional cross arm mountingtools, devices, and installation techniques. In some embodiments, thesynthetic cross arm 100 may be sized so that two synthetic cross arms100 may be utilized in combination with the collar (as shown in FIGS.3-5) described herein.

The flexible housing 105 of the synthetic cross arm 100 may be anydesired shape, including a substantially rectangular, square, oval, orcircular shape. In some embodiments, the flexible housing 105 may besubstantially rectangular in shape, while in some embodiments, theflexible housing 105 may be substantially oval or may have any otherdesired shape, as will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill inthe art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.

The flexible housing 105 may be constructed from any desired materialthat is sufficiently flexible, lightweight, and durable. The flexibilityof the flexible housing 105 permits the synthetic cross arm 100 toabsorb shock upon an impact force to the synthetic cross arm 100. Theductility of the flexible housing 105 permits the synthetic cross arm100 to deform and rebound after an impact force to the flexible housing105. For example, the deformation properties of the flexible housing 105permit the flexible housing 105 to rebound back to its original shapeafter being deflected downwards by an impact force or weight. Thus,reducing or preventing damage to the synthetic cross arm 100 caused bygalloping utility lines and strong winds, rain, snow, or ice.

Preferably, the flexible housing 105 is constructed from fiberglass. Inparticular, fiberglass having ultraviolet resistant properties.Fiberglass is flexible, lightweight and non-conductive making it apreferred material for constructing the flexible housing 105. It shouldbe understood, however, that the flexible housing 105 may be constructedfrom any material that is sufficiently durable, lightweight, andflexible. For example, the flexible housing 105 may be constructed fromcarbon fiber, synthetic fiber, reinforced fiber, ultraviolet resistantfiber reinforced material, plastics, resins, non-metals, compositematerials, combinations thereof, and the like. Further, in someembodiments, the flexible housing 105 may include reinforcing or bracingstructures to increase the strength and durability of the flexiblehousing 105, such as struts, ribs, braces, rods, or any other suitablereinforcing or bracing structure, or combinations, thereof and the like.

The synthetic cross arm 100 includes a chamber 140. The chamber 140 ispositioned within the flexible housing 105. The chamber 140 is definedby the first end 110, second end 115, top 120, bottom 125, and front 130and back 135. The chamber 140 may be may be any desired shape, includinga substantially rectangular, square, oval, or circular shape. In someembodiments, the chamber 140 may be substantially rectangular in shape,while in some embodiments, the chamber 140 may be substantially oval ormay have any other desired shape, as will be appreciated by persons ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.In some embodiments, the chamber 140 may be substantially the same shapeas the flexible housing 105, while in some embodiments the chamber 140may have a different shape from the flexible housing 105. For example,the flexible housing 105 may be substantially rectangular in shape,while the chamber 140 may be substantially rectangular or oval in shape.In some embodiments, the chamber 140 may also include insulation forincreasing the durability and structural integrity of the flexiblehousing 105. For example, the insulation may include foam, rubber,plastics, combinations thereof, and the like.

In some embodiments, the flexible housing 105, may also include one ormore openings 192 extending completely or partially through the flexiblehousing 105 and the chamber 140. In this way, a bolt or other connectingrod or member may be selectively inserted through the openings 192 so asto connect the synthetic cross arm 100 to a utility pole, collar, orother cross arm connecting assembly. For example, a bolt may be insertedthrough the opening 192 in the synthetic cross arm 100 and through acollar connected to a utility pole. The bolt may be selectively insertedand locked by a locking mechanism to keep the synthetic cross arm 100locked into place within the collar and secured to the utility pole.Further, the bolt may be selectively removed and the locking mechanismunlocked so that the synthetic cross arm 100 may be removed, repaired,or replaced, as needed.

The synthetic cross arm 100 further includes a cable 145 connected tothe flexible housing 105. The cable 145 positioned within the chamber140 of the flexible housing 105 and extending between the first end 110and the second end 115 of the flexible housing 105. Preferably, thecable 145 is formed from synthetic rope. Synthetic rope is durable,lightweight, and non-conductive. It should be understood, however, thatthe cable 145 may be formed from any desired material that hassufficient strength to support the weight of the synthetic cross arm100. For example, the cable 145 may be constructed from rope, fiber,synthetic rope metal, chain, carbon fiber, plastics, non-metals,composite materials, combinations thereof, and the like. Further, insome embodiments, the cable 145 may include reinforcing or bracingstructures, such as wire, rods, braces, or any other suitablereinforcing or bracing structure, or combinations, thereof and the like.

The cable 145 may be connected to the flexible housing 105, at anydesired location substantially near the first end 110 and the second end115. For example, the cable 145 may be positioned within the chamber 140of the flexible housing 105 and connected to the first end 110, secondend 115, top 120, bottom 125, front 130 or back 135. It is to beappreciated that the cable 145 may be connected to the flexible housing105 in any desired manner such as via welds, seams, joints, bars,screws, bolts, adhesives, hooks, loops, rings, combinations thereof, andthe like.

In some embodiments, the synthetic cross arm 100 also includes a firstconnector member 190 and second connector member 220 positioned withinthe chamber 140 of the flexible housing 105. The first connector member190 includes a first end 195 connected to the top 120 of the flexiblehousing 105 and a second end 205 connected to the bottom 125 of theflexible housing 105. The second connector member 220 has a first end225 connected to the top 120 of the flexible housing 105 and a secondend 235 connected to the bottom 125 of the flexible housing 105.

The first connector member 190 and second connector member 220 may beany desired shape, including a substantially rectangular, square, oval,or circular shape. In some embodiments, the first connector member 190and second connector member 220 may be substantially rectangular inshape, while in some embodiments, the first connector member 190 andsecond connector member 220 may be substantially oval or may have anyother desired shape, as will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skillin the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.

The first connector member 190 and second connector member 220 may beconstructed from any desired material that is sufficiently lightweightand capable of connecting the cable 140 therebetween. For example, thefirst connector member 190 and second connector member 220 may beconstructed from fiberglass, metal, carbon fiber, plastics, non-metals,composite materials, combinations thereof, and the like. In someembodiments, the first connector member 190 and second connector member220 may be formed from the same material as the flexible housing 105,while in some embodiments, the first connector member 190 and secondconnector member 220 may be formed from a different material than theflexible housing 105.

The first connector member 190 and second connector member 220 may beconnected to the flexible housing 105 in any desired manner such as viawelds, joints, screws, bolts, adhesives, rods, or combinations thereof.In some embodiments the first connector member 190 and second connectormember 220 may be partially embedded or encased in the flexible housing105, while in some embodiments the first connector member 190 and secondconnector member 220 may be formed as a unitary body, for example.Further, in some embodiments, the first connector member 190 and secondconnector member 220 may be substantially hollow so as to permit a boltor rod to be selectively inserted through the first connector member 190and second connector ember 220. The bolt or rod may be used to securethe synthetic cross arm 100 to a collar by inserting the bolt or rodthrough the first connector member 190 or second connector member 220 soas to secure the synthetic cross am 100 to a collar, or a utility pole.

In some embodiments,the cable 145 is connected to the flexible housing105 by looping the cable 145 around the first connector member 190 andthe second connector member 220. In this way, the cable 145 extendsbetween the first end 110 and the second end 115 so as to prevent aportion of the flexible housing 105 from falling upon a break to theflexible housing 105. The cable 145 prevents a portion of the syntheticcross arm 100 from falling on and pulling down power lines, causingpower outages and hazardous conditions for persons.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment ofa collar 300 for connecting a cross arm 111 to a utility pole. Thecollar 300 is configured to fit around half of a utility pole andconnect to an identical structure on the opposite side of the utilitypole. In the event that the cross arm 111 connected to the collar 300breaks, the broken cross arm 111 can be selectively removed and replacedwithout having to remove or replace the collar 300 and without having toremove or replace the cross arm 111 attached to the identical structureon the oppose side of the utility pole. In this way, the collar 300permits both the synthetic cross arm 100 and traditional cross arms, tobe more efficiently repaired and replaced. The collar 300 may bemanufactured to fit different utility pole diameters, as will beappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthe instant disclosure.

The collar 300 includes a first member 305 having a top end 310, abottom end 315, and first and second sides (320 and 325) extendingbetween the top and bottom ends (310 and 315) defining a plane 330. Theplane 330 includes an outer surface 340 and an inner surface 350. Thecollar 300 includes a first and second flange (360 and 365). The firstflange 360 is connected to the first side 320 of the first member 305.The second flange 365 is connected to the second side 325 of the firstmember 305. The collar 300 also includes a first sleeve 370 having afirst end 375, a second end 380, a top 385, a bottom 390, and a front400 and back 405 defining a chamber 410 therein. The second end 380 ofthe first sleeve 370 is connected to the outer surface 340 of the plane330 of the first member 305. The second end 380 of the first sleeve 370includes an opening for receiving a portion of a cross arm 111 into thechamber 410 of the first sleeve 370.

The first member 305 has a top end 310, a bottom end 315, and first andsecond sides (320 and 325) extending between the top and bottom ends(310 and 315) defining a plane 330. The plane has an outer surface 340and an inner surface 350. The first member 305 has a generally curved orsemi-circular shape. It should be understood, however, that the firstmember 305 may have any desired shape, including a substantially squareor rectangular shape, for example.

The first member 305 may be constructed from any desired material thathas sufficient durability and structural integrity to support the weightof the utility lines, the collar 300, and cross arms inserted therein onthe utility pole. For example, the first member 305 may be constructedfrom metal, steel, stainless steel, iron, alloys, reinforced metals,fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastics, non-metals, composite materials,combinations thereof, and the like. Preferably, the first member 305 isformed from metal, such as stainless steel. While steel is preferred, itshould be understood, that the first member 305 may be constructed fromany material that is sufficiently durable to support the weight of thecross arm, the collar 300, and the utility lines supported by theutility pole. Further, in some embodiments, the first member 305 mayinclude reinforcing or bracing structures, such as struts, ribs, braces,rods, or any other suitable reinforcing or bracing structure, orcombinations, thereof and the like.

The collar 300 includes a first and second flange (360 and 365). Thefirst flange 360 is connected the first side 320 of the first member305. The second flange 365 is connected to the second side 325 of thefirst member 305. The first flange 360 and second flange 365 have asubstantially rectangular shape. It should be understood, however, thatthe first flange 360 and second flange 365 may have any desired shape,including a substantially circular, oval, or square shape. In someembodiments, the first and second flange (360 and 365) may besubstantially rectangular in shape, while in some embodiments, the firstand second flange (360 and 365) may be substantially square or may haveany other desired shape, as will be appreciated by persons of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.

The first and second flange (360 and 365) may be constructed from anydesired material that is of sufficient durability and structuralintegrity to support the collar 300, cross arms inserted therein, andutility lines on the utility pole. For example, the first and secondflange (360 and 365) may be constructed from metal, steel, stainlesssteel, iron, alloys, reinforced metals, fiberglass, carbon fiber,plastics, non-metals, composite materials, combinations thereof, and thelike. Preferably, the first and second flange (360 and 365) is formedfrom metal, such as stainless steel. While steel is preferred, it shouldbe understood, that the first and second flange (360 and 365) may beconstructed from any material that is sufficiently durable to supportthe weight of the cross arm, collar 300, and utility lines supported onthe utility pole. Further, in some embodiments, the first and secondflange (360 and 365) may include reinforcing or bracing structures, suchas struts, ribs, braces, rods, or any other suitable reinforcing orbracing structure, or combinations, thereof and the like.

The first flange 360 is connected to the first side 320 of the firstmember 305. The second flange 365 is connected to the second side 325 ofthe first member 305. The first flange 360 and second flange 365 may beconnected in any desired manner such as via welds, joints, screws,bends, hinges, bolts, adhesives, rods, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the first flange 360 and second flange 365 may be partiallyembedded or encased in the first member 305, while in some embodimentsthe first flange 360 and second flange 365 may be formed as a unitarybody with the first member 305, for example.

The collar 300 further includes a first sleeve 370 having a first end375, a second end 380, a top 385, a bottom 390, and a front 400 and back405 defining a chamber therein 410 therein. The first sleeve 370 issubstantially rectangular in shape. It should be understood, however,that the first sleeve 370 may have any desired shape, including asubstantially circular, oval, or square shape. In some embodiments, thefirst sleeve 70 may be substantially rectangular in shape, while in someembodiments, the first sleeve 370 may be substantially circular or mayhave any other desired shape, as will be appreciated by persons ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.

The first sleeve 370 may be constructed from any desired material thatis of sufficient durability andl structural integrity to support theweight of the collar 300, cross arms inserted therein, and utility linessupported thereby and connected to a utility pole. For example, thefirst sleeve 370 may be constructed from metal, steel, stainless steel,iron, alloys, reinforced metals, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastics,non-metals, composite materials, combinations thereof, and the like.Preferably, the first sleeve 370 is formed from metal, such as stainlesssteel. While steel is preferred, it should be understood, that the firstsleeve 370 may be constructed from any material that is of sufficientdurability and structural integrity to support the collar 300, cross arminserted therein, and utility lines supported thereby connected to autility pole. Further, in some embodiments, the first sleeve 370 mayinclude reinforcing or bracing structures, such as struts, ribs, braces,rods, or any other suitable reinforcing or bracing structure, orcombinations, thereof and the like.

The second end 380 of the first sleeve 370 is connected to the outersurface 340 of the plane 330 of the first member 305. The second end 380of the first sleeve 370 includes an opening for receiving a portion of across arm into the chamber 410 of the first sleeve 370. The first sleeve370 may be connected to the first member 305 in any desired manner suchas via welds, joints, screws, bends, hinges, bolts, adhesives, rods, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first sleeve 370 may bepartially embedded or encased in the first member 305, while in someembodiments the first sleeve 370 and the first member may be formed as aunitary body, for example.

The chamber 410 is positioned within the first sleeve 370. The chamber410 is defined by the first end 375, second end 380, top 385, bottom390, front 400 and back 405. In some embodiment, the chamber 410 may beformed from the same material as the first sleeve 370, while in otherembodiments, the chamber 410 may be formed or lined with a materialdifferent from the first sleeve 370.

The chamber 410 may be may be any desired shape, including asubstantially rectangular, square, oval, or circular shape sufficient toreceive a cross arm. In some embodiments, the chamber 410 may besubstantially rectangular in shape, while in some embodiments, thechamber 410 may be substantially oval or may have any other desiredshape sufficient to receive a cross arm, as will be appreciated bypersons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instantdisclosure. In some embodiments, the chamber 410 may be in substantiallythe same shape as the cross arm, while in some embodiments the chamber410 may have a different shape from the cross arm. The shape of thechamber 410 is configured for receiving a portion of a cross arm intothe chamber 410 and may be modified to fit the shape of the desiredcross arm.

In some embodiments, the first sleeve 370 is sized and dimensioned so asto permit vertical movement of the cross arm within the chamber 410. Inthis way, the cross arm positioned within the first sleeve 370 will movevertically upon an impact force to the cross arm and absorb shock. Thuspreventing or reducing damage to the cross arm. In some embodiments, thefirst sleeve 370 is sized and dimensioned so as to prevent verticalmovement of the cross arm within the chamber 410. In this way, theflexible properties of the cross arm will cause that portion of thecross arm outside of the first sleeve 370 to flex, bend, and rebound.Thus, absorbing an impact force to the cross arm and reducing orpreventing damage.

A bolt or rod, such as bolt 50, may be inserted through an opening 411in the first sleeve 370 and through an opening in the cross arm, such asopening 192 in the synthetic cross arm 100, to connect and secure thecross arm to the first sleeve 370 and the collar 300. In someembodiments, when the cross arm pivots around the bolt 50, the verticalmovement is dampened by the first sleeve 370. In some embodiments, thevertical movement may be further dampened by cushioning, such as rubber,neoprene, or foam, positioned within and lining the chamber 410 of thefirst sleeve 370.

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown therein is an embodiment of the collar300 further including a second member 305 a, a third and fourth flange(360 a and 365 a), and a second sleeve 370 a. The second member 305 a,third and fourth flange (360 a and 365 a), and second sleeve 370 a areimplemented similarly and formed similarly to the first member 305,first and second flange (360 and 365) and first sleeve 370.

The second member 305 a includes a top end 310 a, a bottom end 315 a,and first and second sides (320 a and 325 a) extending between the topand bottom ends (310 a and 315 a) defining a plane 330 a. The plane 330a has an outer surface 340 a and an inner surface 350 a. The collar 300further includes a third and fourth flange (360 a and 365 a). The thirdflange 360 a is connected to the first side 320 a of the secondsemi-circle member 305 a. The fourth flange 365 a is connected to thesecond side 325 a of the second member 305 a. The third and fourthflange (360 a and 365 a) are configured to be detachably connected tothe first and second flange (360 and 365) of the first member 305 by atightening bolt or rod, such as bolt 50 for example. In this way, thefirst member 305 is detachably connected to the second member 305 a.

The collar 300 further includes a second sleeve 370 a having a first end375 a, a second end 380 a, a top 385 a, a bottom 390 a, and a front 400a and back 405 a defining a chamber 410 a therein. The first end 375 aof the second sleeve 370 a is connected to the outer surface 340 a ofthe plane 330 a of the second member 305 a. The second end 380 a of thesecond sleeve 370 a includes an opening for receiving a portion of across arm into the chamber 410 a of the second sleeve 370 a.

In use, the collar 300 may be secured to a utility pole by connectingthe first member 305 to the second member 305 a. The collar 300 may besecured and connected to the utility pole by connecting the collar 300to the utility pole. The collar 300 may be connected to the utility poleusing screws, rods, leaf springs, nails, bars, bolts, adhesive,combinations thereof and the like. In some embodiments, the utility polemay be tapered and the collar 300 may connected to the utility pole byplacing the collar 300 around the utility pole such that it rests firmlyagainst the utility pole.

In some embodiments, the first flange 360, second flange 365, thirdflange 360 a, and fourth flange 365 a include at least one opening 420extending therethrough for receiving a connecting rod or bolt, such asbolt 50. The third and fourth flange (360 a and 365 a) may be detachablyconnected to the first and second flange (360 and 365) of the firstmember 305. In this way, the first member 305 may be detachablyconnected to the second member 305 a.

In some embodiments, the collar 300 may be attached to a utility pole byselectively inserting the connecting rod or bolt 50 through the opening420 and into the utility pole so as to secure the collar 300 to theutility pole. Further, in some embodiments, the first member 305 and thesecond member 305 a may include at least one opening 425 extendingtherethrough for receiving a connecting rod or bolt, such as bolt 50.The collar 300 may be attached to a utility pole by selectivelyinserting the connecting rod or bolt through the opening 425 positionedwithin the first member 305 and second member 305 a, so as to secure thecollar 300 directly to the utility pole. The connecting rod or bolt mayinclude any type of connecting mechanism known in the art, including forexample, screws, nails, pins, bolts, tightening bolts, adhesives,combinations thereof, and the like.

In some embodiments, the collar 300 further includes a first lockingmember 430 coupled with the first sleeve 370. The first locking member430 is configured to lock a portion of a cross arm into a horizontalposition within the chamber 410 of the first sleeve 370. The collar 300may also include a second locking member 430 a coupled with the secondsleeve 370 a. The second locking member 430 a is configured for lockinga portion of a cross arm into a horizontal position within the chamber410 a of the second sleeve 370 a. The first locking member 430 andsecond locking member 430 a may be implemented similarly. The firstlocking member 430 and second locking member 430 a may also be formedfrom the same or similar material. For example, steel, iron, carbonfiber, plastics, metals, combinations thereof and the like.

In some embodiments the first locking member 430 and second lockingmember 430 a may be selectively removed from the first sleeve 370 andsecond sleeve 370 a so that each cross arm may be selectively insertedinto the chamber 410 and chamber 410 a within the first and secondsleeve 370 and 370 a, from a top position. In this way, each cross armmay be more easily inserted into the first sleeve 370 and second sleeve370 a by a person repairing or replacing the cross arm.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment ofa cross arm assembly 500. The cross arm assembly 500 includes a collar505 configured to be detachably secured to a vertical utility pole 800.The collar 505 includes first and second members (510 and 515) and firstand second sleeves (520 and 525) extending horizontally therefrom. Thecollar 505 operates similarly and may be formed from the same or similarmaterial to the collar 300. The cross arm assembly 500 further includesa first cross arm 530 positioned within and detachably connected to thefirst sleeve 520. The first cross arm 530 includes a first end 535, asecond end 540, a top 545, a bottom 550, and a front 555 and back 560.The cross arm assembly 500 also includes a second cross arm 570positioned within and detachably connected to the second sleeve 525. Thesecond cross arm 570 including a first end 575, a second end 580, a top590, a bottom 600, and a front 605 and back 610. In some embodiments,the first cross arm 530 and second cross arm 570 may be formed andoperated similarly to the synthetic cross arm 100. While, in someembodiments, the first cross arm 530 and second cross arm 570, may be atraditional cross arm formed from wood, metal, fiberglass or othermaterials.

In some embodiments, the first cross arm 530 and the second cross arm570 are movable relative to the collar 505, so as to permit the firstcross arm 530 and the second cross arm 570 to absorb shock upon animpact force to the cross arm assembly 500. The first cross arm 530 andsecond cross arm 510 may be sized and dimensioned to fit loosely withinthe first sleeve 520 and second sleeve 525, so that upon an impactforce, such as high winds, rain, snow, or ice to the cross arm system500, the first cross arm 530 and second cross arm 570 will flex withinthe first sleeve 520 and second sleeve 525. In this way, the structuralintegrity and durability of the cross arm system 500 is improved. Insome embodiments, the collar 505 is configured so that the first crossarm 530 and second cross arm 570 will not move or will not substantiallymove within the first and second sleeves (520 and 525) of the collar505. In this embodiment, the flexible properties of the first cross arm530 and second cross arm 570 will cause that portion of the first crossarm 530 and second cross arm 570 positioned outside of the first andsecond sleeves (520 and 525) of the collar 505 to bend, flex, and deformand rebound back to its original shape, thus reducing or preventingdamage to the cross arm assembly 500 caused by galloping, wind, ice, andsnow. Because the movement of the first cross arm and second cross arm530 and 570 is reduced, the wear and tear on the first cross arm 530 andsecond cross arm 570 within the cross arm assembly 500 is reduced.

It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the cross arm assembly 500,synthetic cross arm 100, and collar 300, may be shipped with the crossarm assembly 500, synthetic cross arm 100, or collar 300, fully orpartially disassembled in the form of a kit, or fully or partiallyassembled, as will be readily appreciated by persons of ordinary skillin the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.

From the above description, it is clear that the inventive conceptsdisclosed herein are adapted to carry out the objects and to attain theadvantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein. While exemplary embodiments of the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein have been described for purposes of thisdisclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be madewhich will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art andwhich are accomplished within the broad scope of the inventive conceptsdisclosed herein and defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cross arm assembly, comprising: a collarconfigured to be detachably secured to a vertical utility pole, thecollar having first and second members and first and second sleevesextending horizontally therefrom; a first cross arm positioned withinand detachably connected to the first sleeve, the first cross arm havinga first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, and a front and back; and asecond cross arm positioned within and detachably connected to thesecond sleeve, the second cross arm having a first end, a second end, atop, a bottom, and a front and back; wherein the first cross arm and thesecond cross arm are movable relative to the collar, so as to permit thefirst cross arm and the second cross arm to absorb shock upon an impactforce to the cross arm assembly.